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• Dr. Susan Willis, Dean

Department Heads:

• Dr. Jin Seo, Biology
• Dr. Hugh Foley, Communications
• Dr. James Ford, English and Humanities
• Dr. Hugh Foley, Fine Arts
• Dr. Kenneth Hicks, History and Political Science
• Dr. Jin Seo, Mathematics and Physical Sciences
• Dr. Brian Andrews, Psychology and Sociology

Mission Statement and Purposes

Central to the mission of the School is the preparation of students to achieve professional and personal goals in their respective disciplines and to enable their success in dynamic local and global communities. Our strategy is to foster an academic setting of diverse curricula that inherently incorporates an environment of service and collegiality:

1. The School offers innovative degrees, which focus upon developing skills in oral and written communication, critical thinking, creativity, empirical and evidenced-based inquiry, experimental investigation and theoretical explanation of natural phenomena, and innovative technology.
2. The School educates its majors to think independently and have the knowledge, skills and vision to work in all types of situations and careers and communicate with all types of people.
3. The School offers general education courses of high quality and purpose that provide a foundation for life- long learning.
4. The School fosters a community of scholars among the faculty and students of the institution.
5. The School will offer and promote artistic, scientific, cultural, and public affairs events on the campus and in the region.

The School of Arts & Sciences serves the academic community and the region by providing a broad range of enriching programs that fall outside of the normal classroom experience. The School is also a strong contributor to the University’s general education program. Professors in the School are very active in the local community, contributing time and talent to local service, political, and cultural organizations. The School’s degree programs consciously foster this type of community involvement among our students. The interdisciplinary strengths of the School of Arts & Sciences prepare students holistically for lifelong learning. This exploration of ideas and experiences is intended to stimulate the student’s imagination and fuel creative thought and activity. Graduates in the Arts & Sciences pursue diverse careers and options. The primary mission is to educate students for life.

Our commitment to service enhances the public welfare and economic development potential of our region by cultivating strategic partnerships with industry, secondary and higher education institutions, and active participation and leadership in civic and professional organizations by our faculty and students. These collaborative efforts are based on the belief that through shared relationships, service reinforces and strengthens learning, and learning reinforces and strengthens service. An emphasis of service encourages social awareness and responsibility among faculty and students. The School promotes a challenging, positive, and inquisitive collegial environment of high ethical standards and of frequent interactions between faculty and students to foster independent thought and the collegial exchange of ideas.

General Information

The School of Arts & Sciences at Rogers State University includes the Departments of Biology, Communications, English & Humanities, Fine Arts, History and Political Science, Mathematics and Physical Sciences, and Psychology and Sociology. The departments of this School currently offer ten baccalaureate degrees and a variety of other programs, including related associate degrees.

The Department of Biology offers a Bachelor of Science in Biology with two options: Medical/Molecular and Environmental Conservation. Both options prepare students for graduate and professional schools as well as careers in the life sciences. Other opportunities exist for those students interested in the Biological Sciences in the form of an associate degree, which will prepare the student for transfer.

The Department of Communications offers dynamic courses in broadcasting and new media, strategic communications, and communication arts, including theatre. Its philosophy is that developing one’s overall communication skills is paramount for personal success, and that society needs articulate citizens to lead the mass media, corporations, and civic institutions.

The Department of English and Humanities offers courses in a wide range of areas including creative writing, literature, languages, philosophy, and religion. The department’s objective is for students to learn how to make informed aesthetic and ethical judgments in an increasingly globalized society.

The Department of Fine Arts incorporates the disciplines of visual arts and related courses. Offerings include degree options in studio art, graphic design, multimedia art, photographic arts, and courses in music appreciation, cinema, and Native American studies. Offering traditional, innovative, and experiential learning opportunities to students interested in the creative arts is key to the department’s philosophy and to life-long student academic and vocational success.

The Department of History and Political Science and the Department of Psychology and Sociology offer studies in the disciplines of history, sociology, psychology, political science, public administration, environmental studies, military history, counseling, and education. A student who is educated in the principles and methodologies of the social sciences is better equipped to adapt in today’s changing world. Additionally, the student who has such a foundation is able to better fulfill the critical responsibilities of citizenship.

The Department of Mathematics and Physical Sciences offers an Associate in Science in Physical Science with options in Chemistry, Geology, and Engineering/ Physics/ Math.

Special Features in the School of Arts and Sciences

Ceramics Lab

Constructed in 2004, the Ceramics Lab provides equipment and facilities to support students and faculty working with ceramics and pottery.

Computer Laboratory

Computer labs are equipped with hardware and software to support students’ projects throughout the university. The labs are located in Preparatory Hall and Loshbaugh Hall and are open to all students.

Cooweescoowee

This annual arts and letters journal is produced by students and faculty in the Departments of Communications, English and Humanities, and Fine Arts. The journal features short fiction, poetry, and literary essays, as well as photography, sculpture, and painting.

Graphic Arts/Communications Computer Labs

The graphic arts/communications computer facility housed in the school features Macintosh computers, an industry standard in graphic arts, non-linear video editing and journalism.

Fine Arts Annex

The Fine Arts Annex is located at the northeast corner of Baird Hall. It houses the Sculpture Lab and the Theatre Program’s Scene Shop. The sculpture and scene shop have a classroom, metalworking equipment and a full woodshop.

Gary Moeller Art Gallery

The gallery, in Baird Hall, has been established for displaying the artwork of students and area artists. Exhibits are changed monthly. These include annual work from student who studied in Italy, alumni work Student Art Competitions, Senior Capstone Shows and exhibits by professional artists.

Math and Science Tutoring Center

The tutoring center for math and science classes is located in Taylor Library, room 116, and supports developmental and college-level courses. The tutoring center features face-to-face peer tutoring and supplements the 24-7 online tutoring opportunities available to all students at Tutor.com.

Native American Heritage Week Festival

Each fall, RSU hosts this well-received festival sponsored by the Department of Fine Arts and the RSU Native American Student Association. The event encourages residents of northeastern Oklahoma to learn about the various Native American Tribes and features storytellers, craftspeople, tribal traditions, and a stomp dance.

Philosophy Colloquia

Established in 2014, the RSU Philosophy Colloquia Series brings students, faculty, and staff together for a friendly and fecund exchange of enduring questions and ideas. These monthly discussions focus primarily on selected texts provided to participants free of charge. For more information about the Philosophy Colloquia or RSU’s Philosophy Program, please contact the Department of English and Humanities

Radio - Television Program

Studies in this program provide students with practical experience in all facets of television and radio production through actual participation working with RSU Public Television, KRSC-FM 91.3 and the Baird Performance Studio. Students are provided a diverse curriculum of course instruction and learn not only the theory, but also the practice of digital and high-definition media.

RSU Writing Center

The Writing Center is intended as a quiet place for the development and improvement of written work. Students are welcome to get consultation on their writing, to write and print papers, and to utilize writing resources. The Writing Center is located in Baird Hall, Room 206.

RSU Conservation Education Reserve

The reserve is an outdoor conservation education site. The purpose of the Reserve is to provide an outdoor conservation education facility for local public education entities, the university, conservation organizations, educators, and the community. Its use increases the individuals’ awareness and appreciation for the environment and allows visitors to observe natural resources and natural resource management practices.

Theatre Program

Begun in 2005-06, RSU offers a theatre program for students to develop their creative and critical thinking skills, specifically in acting, playwriting, design and theatre production. It offers productions to the RSU community and the wider community that explores artistically the cultural, intellectual, and personal issues of the day. Led by professional theatre faculty, performances are held in the Will Rogers Auditorium, the RSU Amphitheater, and other venues.

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